by Cooper Climate Control
0
Is bigger always better? When it comes to furnace size, this is not always the case. A unit that is too large for your home will cause the unit to turn on and shut down too often. This can cause damage to your system and decreases efficiency. The truth is there are a lot of different variables that can affect what size is appropriate for your space. To begin exploring what size furnace is best for you let’s examine some of the basics.
Furnaces are measured in thousands of BTUs or British Thermal Units. When looking at different furnaces, you will notice an Input BTU number. This number represents how much energy is used when the unit is running. The Output BTU represents the real production of heat. The Output BTU is the main number of concern when determining what size furnace best meets your home needs.
Some variables which will affect the sized furnace you need include the following:
- Square Footage of your home including attic and basement
- Materials used in the construction of your home
- Insulation
- Weather conditions in your region
Homes which are located in areas with extreme temperature variation will most likely require larger furnaces. Inappropriately small furnaces will not be able to adequately heat even a smaller home during intense winter cold.
Typically smaller homes need smaller furnaces, but variables like the insulation and construction materials used may importantly impact that trend.
Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to help determine the best sized furnace for your space:
Check out your old furnace – if you are replacing an older model, begin by determining its size. This information is most likely written on the outside of the unit. If you were satisfies with the performance of this unit, it may be best to look at similarly sized furnaces.
Ask your neighbor – if you neighbor’s house is of a similar construction and size as your own, you may take a look at their furnace. If they recently replaced their furnace, discuss how they made their decision.
Ask a professional HVAC company to calculate your needs – if you are comfortable with measurements and calculators, you may be able to actually calculate your home’s needs. To pursue this method, you will need to investigate what is known as the “Manual three load calculation.” This requires you to gather information about the materials in your home’s construction, sizes of rooms, insulation, and windows. You will use this information to calculate the size furnace needed for your space. If this is not something you are knowledgeable about, no problem. Consult a professional – determining the right sized furnace is an important step in making a smart financial investment. Given the importance of the decision, consulting a professional for a free in home estimate is a smart choice. Their experience in the industry will be helpful in ensuring that you make the best choice possible. They will be glad to walk you through step by step they’re findings.
If you choose to seek professional help give Cooper Climate Control Heating & Air Conditioning a call and schedule a no obligation evaluation with one of our experienced HVAC technicians. We can not only help you find the right sized furnace, but we will teach you everything you need to know in order to keep your new furnace operating properly for years to come.
